Question 1

Does it have a backlit keyboard? 
One of the pictures looks like yes but specifications say no
Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Definitely has a backlit keyboard that toggles on and off.

Question 2

Can you please comment on the weight of this laptop?  Considering replacement for a Dell Latitude, which weighs about 7.5 lbs with a larger battery.  Very tired of lugging that beast and looking for something much lighter (but still capable), as I travel a lot for work with it.  Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Marvin,

This laptop seems like a gigantic beast to me, although it apparently weighs less than your Dell Latitude (per NewEgg-listed specifications). The power brick is also huge and heavy. Also consider the dimensions listed on NewEgg to get an idea of its sheer bulk.

I always buy 17-18" laptops (typically HP EliteBooks), and this seems like the heaviest, biggest, bulkiest I've ever had.

I bought this specifically because I wanted to try HTC Vive VR, and this was one of the few laptops at the time which were certified for that. Unfortunately I have never gotten around to setting up the VR.

Hope that helps,
Matthew

Question 3

When running games like WoW or Diablo does this laptop stay on the cooler side?

Accepted Answer

Regular use and light gaming wise, it doesn't get that warm. It's great at getting the heat away compared to many laptops I've used. Graphic intensive games does make it put out hotter air, which is still reasonable if you're forced to lap it. Although I imagine taking breaks on occasion is you're forced to play like that.

If you're more like me and play at a table for the heavier/timely games, it's perfect I think. If lap all the time, it's better than most and just fine again with a lap pad.

Question 4

Aluminum or plastic??

Accepted Answer

Aluminum, though it feels like an alloy of some kind. It looks and feels incredible. Only downside is the fingerprrints. But it is probably the best looking and most solid feeling laptop I've had in a decade. Also its extremely fast with the solid state and the screen is surprisingly nice especially from the side.

Question 5

Is the screen matte or glossy? How is the overall screen quality? I will be using this for AutoCAD and photoshop for 10+ hrs/day.

Accepted Answer

I'm not an expert, but it looks matte to me.  I get only a diffuse reflection off it if I tilt it so that the light is shining on it, towards me.  The screen looks great to me so far, mostly web surfing.  Videos have looked good too.

Question 6

Will I be able to use the windows 8.1 touchscreen functions?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no. It sucks because many times I get frustrated with teh touchpad being a touchpad and just want to tap on the screen what I want. These days it's either buying a performance laptop with good price-performance ratio and no touchscreen, or a economy mid-range laptop with touchscreen. We don't get both yet.

Question 7

Are there audio ports?

Accepted Answer

I bought a splitter so I can separate audio/mic. Kind of a pain and not the greatest looking thing, but it works.

Question 8

is this laptop being offer on smaller display? cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is being offered in a smaller screen size. Cost should be 1.1k roughly. I would go to the Acer website and you can find all relevant information there.

Question 9

is the DVD writer also blue ray writer? or only blue ray reader?

Accepted Answer

Neither blue ray writer nor blue ray reader, only a DVD writer, that's it.

Question 10

How good is the build quality? The price for the specs looks too good to be true, did Acer cut some corner at some places?

Accepted Answer

It seems pretty solid to me. I've only had it for about a week, and I don't carry it around (it's basically my "home desktop"), but I didn't notice it feeling cheap when I unpacked it or set it up on my desk. The hinge definitely has the right amount of tension; not hard to move, but doesn't move on its own. The black case looks nice.

Questions & Answers